Three-component [3+2] cycloaddition for regio- and diastereoselective synthesis of spirooxindole-pyrrolidines

1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of nonstabilized azomethine ylides derived from alpha-C-H functionalization of tetrahydroisoquinoline for regio- and diastereoselective synthesis of spirooxindole-pyrrolidines is developed. A three-component reaction of readily available cyclic amines, aryl aldehydes, and olefinic oxindoles provides a pot, atom and step economy (PASE) approach for preparing spiro-heterocyclic compounds with biological interest.